Disability Access

Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for Financial Aid 

How do I apply for Federal / State financial aid?

Students wishing to apply for financial aid must do so each year by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  We suggest that you complete your application on line at:  www.fafsa.ed.gov (first apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov to electronically sign your application).  If you would rather fill out a paper application to mail in, they are available in Student Services.

What is the deadline to apply for financial aid at Western Piedmont Community College?

To receive maximum consideration for aid, students must complete a FAFSA prior to June 1 each year.

In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year?

Yes.  Your eligibility for financial aid is based on data from the prior calendar year, information which may change from year to year.  In order to receive consideration for as many programs as possible, you should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year after your taxes are completed.

 What is WPCC's federal school code?

Our federal school code is 002982. Enter this code on your FAFSA in order to have your information sent to WPCC.

Do I have to report my parents' information on the FAFSA?

For 2008-2009, to be considered independent for financial aid purposes (and NOT have to report your parents information); You must be:  born before 1/1/1985; a ward of the court; both parents are deceased; a veteran of the armed forces; have legal dependents (other than a spouse) for which you provide more than half of their financial support; married at the time of completing the FAFSA, or working on a master’s degree at the beginning of the 2008-09 school year.

If my parents are separated or divorced, whose income is reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

The parent you live with should complete the FAFSA.  If the parent you live with has remarried, the information of that parent and their new spouse (stepparent) must be used.  If you do not live with either of your parents, you should provide the one that supports you more financially.

What determines how much aid I will receive?  

The information on the FAFSA will be used to determine how much you and your family can expect to contribute toward the cost of your education. The FAFSA asks about your family size, the number of family members in college, and your family income and assets. To be fair to everyone, a standard formula (Federal Methodology) is used to calculate the expected family contribution (EFC). You and your family are expected to assume primary responsibility for financing your college education. If the EFC is not enough to cover your cost of education (or student budget), as determined by the College, you may be eligible for need-based financial aid.

Your student budget represents the amount of funds estimated by the College that you will need during the year to meet direct and indirect expenses. Direct expenses include tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Indirect expenses include room, board, transportation and personal expenses.

How will I know if I’m eligible for financial aid?

Approximately 3-5 weeks after you apply, will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the US Department of Education confirming that your application has been processed.  Your SAR will tell you if you are eligible for the Pell Grant. However, WPCC must determine the amount you will receive.  You will receive an Award Letter from the WPCC Financial Aid Office itemizing the types of financial aid that you are eligible for and the maximum amounts that you can receive. 

How do I apply for Scholarships?

WPCC scholarship applications are available starting March of every year.  The scholarship deadline for the upcoming year is June 1.  Click Scholarship link to see the Scholarships offered at WPCC.

If you would like to search for other scholarships, a good search engine is www.fastweb.com. 

Receiving Financial Aid Funds

If I am eligible for financial aid, when will I get my money?

Your financial aid money will be used to cover tuition, fees, and books during the registration process each semester.  After your tuition and books have been deducted from your account, a check for the balance in your account will be cut and mailed on the following dates:

• FALL SEMESTER – September 15, 2008

• SPRING SEMESTER – February 9, 2008

*IMPORTANT NOTE:  WPCC will mail your refund check to the address listed with the Records Department.  If your address has changed since you filled out an Admissions Application, you need to update your address IMMEDIATELY.

How do I buy my books??

Students can purchase books and supplies at the WPCC BookCellar with Financial Aid during the first seven ( 7) days of the semester.  Students must submit their registration statement to the Bookstore to make purchases.  You can find book prices on the WPCC website (www.wpcc.edu) under "WPCC Quickfind", then selecting Bookstore, or click visit the bookstore.    

How do I know if I will receive financial aid in the Summer?

Starting for the 2008-2009 academic year, students will be required to fill out a summer aid application, if planning to attend Summer 2009 classes.  Summer awards will not be added to your account if this application is not returned to the Financial Aid Office.  If you have any financial aid funds remaining after Fall 2008 and Spring 2009, the Financial Aid Office will send you a Summer Application.  Be sure to return the form by the deadline listed on the application.

Note:  Pell Grants are only awarded for TWO FULL-TIME SEMESTERS within an academic year.  If you do not enroll full time for Fall and Spring semesters you may have Pell Grant money available for the summer semester. 

Maintaining Financial Aid Eligibility

 If I drop a class, how will it affect my financial aid?

If you completely withdraw from ALL of your classes prior to the 60% point of the semester, you may be required to pay back part of the aid awarded to you.

FALL 60% POINT – OCTOBER 24, 2008  
SPRING 60% POINT – MARCH 27, 2009

 How does my academic performance affect my financial aid?

Withdraws, failing grades, and incompletes will count against you in maintaining satisfactory academic progress.  Successful completion is defined as receiving a grade of A, B, C, D, or SC.  You must complete at least 66% of the total credit hours that you attempt with a 2.0 GPA. 

If you do not fulfill this requirement then you will be placed on Financial Aid Probation.  While you are on probation, you must complete 66% of your classes with a 2.0 GPA or your Financial Aid will be suspended.

If my financial aid is suspended, how do I regain eligibility?

You have two options if your financial aid is suspended at Western Piedmont Community College:

1. You may appeal your suspension, if you have reasonable grounds to appeal. (i.e. Sickness, Death in the Family, or other extreme circumstances)

2. Pay for at least six credit hours out of pocket. Complete all hours attempted (at least 6 credit hours) with a 2.0 GPA.

NOTE:  If your financial aid is suspended, it is only effective at WPCC.  You could go to any other college and receive financial aid. Because every school has different academic standards, your suspended status would not follow you to another school.